1. What is your mission and vision?Wesley Housing’s mission is to develop, own, operate, preserve, and maintain affordable housing and sustain quality communities for low- and moderate-income families and individuals across the Washington, D.C. region. Our vision is to provide affordable housing options for low- and moderate-income households in the region for whoever is in need--for as long as they are needed (aka: aging in place).

2.How does your organization achieve its mission?The heart and soul of Wesley Housing’s mission lies in our commitment to combine affordable housing with family programs and supportive services to foster positive development and self-sufficiency for all adults, children, and families--the foundation of which is Housing Stability. Maintaining stable housing is essential to building a better life. Without stable housing, an individual’s health and well being is diminished. Without stable housing, a child’s education is jeopardized. Without stable housing, an adult’s ability to attain or advance in a job is hindered. And, without stable housing, individuals and families are unable to be active and engaged members of the community.Considering this, core elements of Housing Stability, available to all residents, include:

Eviction Prevention

Linkage and Referral

Career Enhancement

Material Assistance/In-Kind Support

In addition, Wesley strives to enrich the lives of residents with onsite complementary family programs and supportive services in three additional impact areas:

3. How have your programs directly impacted the regional community?Wesley Housing has been providing affordable housing options since 1974. We presently own and operate 21 properties in Northern Virginia, plus two additional properties in the District. We currently serve more than 2,500 residents.

4. What inspires or drives your team to stay committed to your mission?It’s the ability to deliver a direct positive impact at both the individual and greater regional level that sustains our commitment. At the individual level, this means helping individuals and families with linkages and referrals needed to sustain their housing and to provide them with additional tools and skills needed to end the cycle of poverty. At the regional level, we are driven by the knowledge that without safe, quality, and affordable places to live, the region will be unable to maintain the workforce needed to sustain ongoing economic growth.

5. What advice would you give to other nonprofits trying to make an impact in their community?Wesley Housing’s advice to other nonprofits in the area is to invest in your people and provide them the resources needed to establish strong, long term partnerships with stakeholder groups in their community, including but not limited to businesses, government agencies, community groups, schools and universities, faith-based organizations, media, and individual volunteers. With strong relationships, anything is possible!